Teachers College values being a good neighbor. Through our centers, schools, and offices, we engage communities, serve teachers and students, and advance education throughout Indiana.

Centers and Labs

Centers, clinics, and labs provide experiences for Ball State students and essential services for the public. Services range from supporting those on the autism spectrum to helping educators teach economics.

Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) was founded to produce meaningful answers to the questions that most challenge the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) community. By using rigorous research methods and addressing crucial gaps in services, our team seeks to serve those affected by ASD. We also seek to build the capacity of communities to meet the growing needs of individuals with ASD, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Toward that end, we train graduate and undergraduate students to provide services in the context of applied research. We strive to generate innovative, time-efficient, cost-effective treatments that work, so that people with ASD can reach their full potential.

Center for Economic Education

The Center for Economic Education brings Ball State’s top-notch economics education to K-12 students. The center prepares both in-service and pre-service teachers to help K-12 students become responsible citizens, productive workers, knowledgeable consumers, prudent savers and investors, effective participants in the global economy, and lifelong decision-makers.

Center for Gifted Studies and Talent Development

Since its founding in 1994, the Ball State Center for Gifted Studies and Talent Development has identified, promoted, and developed giftedness. With the help of an advisory committee, the center endeavors to fulfill its mission by meeting the needs of gifted and talented students, their teachers, their schools and administrators, their parents, and their larger communities through enrichment programming, professional development, parent seminars, and research activities designed to improve educational programs and create a better understanding of the needs of gifted and talented individuals.

Center for School Innovation

We combine the comprehensive expertise and resources of Ball State University’s nationally recognized faculty and programs to help schools develop innovative approaches to K-12 education. It is an interdisciplinary center led by Teachers College, the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, and the Miller College of Business.

Child Study Center

The Child Study Center (CSC), sponsored under the auspices of the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Services, provides first and foremost infant/toddler and preschool laboratory experiences for students enrolled in Ball State University’s child development courses. Students participate in either a laboratory component or as an employee and are engaged in experimental learning. The CSC is also used as an interdisciplinary observation site for other classes. The center provides a rich environment for collaborative research among several disciplines. 

Neuropsychology Lab

The Neuropsychology Laboratory was established in 1984 as a research and teaching facility of the Department of Educational Psychology. The laboratory primarily conducts research focused on the functioning of patients with known or suspected psychiatric and neurological disorders and the neuropsychological tests used to measure those functions.  The Neuropsychology Laboratory provides support for neuropsychology courses offered through the Department of Educational Psychology's cognate specialization in neuropsychology.

Research Design Studio

The Research Design Studio (RDS) at Ball State University brings together expertise from faculty and advanced graduate students to support optimal research design and production. The RDS provides research and evaluation support to faculty, students, or community partners (e.g., school, museum, business). Approaches include quick consultation sessions, group training, or full partnership to support research, grant writing, or evaluation needs.

TEACH Lab

The TEACH Lab is an adaptive computer lab in the Department of Special Education. The TEACH Lab serves three purposes:

  • provides adaptive computer experiences for education students in the Department of Special Education
  • provides a resource center for Indiana special educators
  • assists educators in assessing the computing needs of children with special needs

Burris Laboratory School

Burris Laboratory School is a K-12 school that provides valuable teaching and learning experiences for Ball State education majors. It consistently ranks among top schools in Indiana.

Indiana Academy

The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is operated by Ball State University and devoted to educating high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate extraordinary ability and a commitment to scholarship.

Professional Development Schools

Professional Development Schools work with Ball State faculty to promote professional development for teachers in the school, offer quality teacher preparation for Ball State candidates working in the school, and improve learning and achievement for the school’s students.

Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice

The Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice organizes the placement of student teachers, administers practicums and other field experiences, serves as a liaison between Ball State students and the state licensing agency, and oversees the Clinical Practice Network.

Office of Charter Schools

The Office of Charter Schools sponsors charter schools that meet its rigorous application process for high-quality public education.

Alliance for Community-Engaged Teacher Preparation

The Alliance for Community-Engaged Teacher Preparation provides research, consultation and training to universities, schools, and communities to develop or refine teacher preparation programs.

Public School Study Councils

Two study councils exist to improve education in dues-paying member schools. The councils study educational issues and promote effective educational practices.